The Importance Of Rental Car Insurance

_Insurance is something that’s on the top of everybody’s mind. On a daily basis, Americans, in fact – people worldwide, are insuring their homes, their cars, their health, and in some cases even their pets. This is because we’re scared of losing our most important possessions. One mistake that people make, however, is an ignorance of the fine print when it comes to rental car insurance.

When people are caught up in their holiday – or the stresses of organizing the flights, the accommodation and even the waterslide tickets for the kids – the rental car insurance is often at the bottom of the to-do list, but by playing it smart, rental car insurance can be a breeze.Why do I NEED Rental Car Insurance?

Even though we don’t like to expect the worst, it’s factual information that accidents do happen, quite often unavoidably. Accidents can cost thousands of dollars in damage both to your car, and other vehicles involved in the accident. Without sounding like a whingeing mother, you really MUST obtain rental car insurance before you step into the vehicle.

The question on many people’s lips is that they’re not sure if the insurance is automatically included with the initial fee they are paying to rent the vehicle. Whilst with some carriers it may be an ‘all inclusive’ fee, but with some cheap rental car companies they may leave insurance as an optional extra to keep the price down.

If you have any doubt about this, then you should certainly ask the staff member at the dealer.There are Many Different Types of Rental Car Insurance

Unfortunately it’s not as easy as ticking a box that says insurance and that’s the end of it. There are many different types available, but if you do your research you shouldn’t have a great deal of trouble finding cheap car rental insurance. One of the most common rental car insurance payments available is the Loss Damage Waiver.

The LDW will cover the costs regarding damages if the vehicle is involved in an accident. You may or may not receive the Loss Damage Waiver back, provided on your ability to look after the vehicle.

Even if you do avoid that prang, they may still withhold your LDW payment for things such as cigarette stains, minor scratches, or just general untidiness. It certainly pays to return the car – even if it’s just a cheap rental car - in the same condition that you picked it up. In addition, if you or any of the other drivers of the vehicle are aged under 21 (or 25 in some states and countries) there will be higher costs involved, payable either as part of the daily rate, or in a lump sum added to the insurance policy.

Before jumping into the cheapest car rental you can find, make sure that you agree with everything set out in the terms and conditions. Whilst it can be boring and tiresome to do this it will be well worth it in the long run.But does the Insurance cover any Personal Injury to Myself or the Passengers?

In most cases you will also have to pay Personal Accident Insurance. Personal Accident Insurance covers costs such as ambulance cover, medical costs and will ensure that your family is compensated should you be involved in a fatal accident. This is sometimes included in the initial rental charges, but once again, not always!

Be sure to check before driving away. This is by far and wide the most expensive insurance payment you will make. Its one thing to have the physical assets of the car protected by insurance, but your health and safety inside the vehicle really is the most important thing.Is there Anything else I NEED to know?

It’s important to keep in mind whilst you’re driving a rental car that you’re not as accustomed to the vehicle as you normally would your own vehicle at home. Chances are your vehicle will be safe and sound, but you need to be careful as the vehicle will handle differently to the one you’re used to, so a bit of common sense should be taken into consideration when taking the rental car for its first spin.

If you’re concerned about getting lost on the road then make sure you ask for a car fitted with a GPS (Global Positioning System) device, or at the very least – ask for a map to help find your way around!

If you’re expecting the drive to be long and demanding, then other extras such as ABS and cruise control are also essential, and are usually available on most new motor vehicle makes and models, even at the cheapest car rental agencies. Be careful on the road! Be safe and secure with rental car insurance.